[Met Tour] CID:92330



La Bohème
Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York, Brooklyn, Tue, February 9, 1926




La Bohème (230)
Giacomo Puccini | Luigi Illica/Giuseppe Giacosa
Mimì
Lucrezia Bori

Rodolfo
Edward Johnson

Musetta
Elizabeth Kandt

Marcello
Antonio Scotti

Schaunard
Millo Picco

Colline
José Mardones

Alcindoro/Benoit
Pompilio Malatesta

Parpignol
Max Altglass

Sergeant
Arnold Gabor


Conductor
Gennaro Papi







Review 1:

Review in the Brooklyn Standard Union

"Bohème" at the Academy

Giacomo Puccini's most graceful and tender lyrical opera, "La Bohème," was presented last night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music by the Metropolitan Opera Company. This event almost coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of the opera's initial performance, as it was first produced on Feb. 1, 1896 at the Teatro Reggio, Turin, under the direction of the incomparable Toscanini.

The "four musketeers" of the Quarter Latin were Edward Johnson, (the poet, Rodolfo); Millo Picco (the musician, Schaunard); Antonio Scotti (the painter, Marcello) and José Mardones (the philosopher, Colline). Lucrezia Bori was the flower embroiderer, Mimi; Elisabeth Kandt was the grisette, Musetta; Pompillio Malatesta impersonated the landlord, Benoit, and the councilor of state, Alcindoro. The roles of Parpignol and a sergeant were held by Max Altglass and Arnold Gabor, respectively.

Among the inseparable quartet the Canadian-American tenor, Edward Johnson, was outstanding. He sang with remarkable directness of phrase and rare beauty of tone. His stage deportment was at all times admirable. The veteran Scotti portrayed with characteristic humor and attention to detail the comedy aspect of the vicissitudes of the painter. Many times he drew boisterous laughter from his audience. Messrs. Picco and Mardones ably coordinated with their companions in the stage business and were vocally effective, though somewhat vociferous.

Mme. Bori was in lovely voice and she portrayed the frail Mimi with consummate art. Her voice and that of her tenor lover blended beautifully in their duets and their presence on the stage was a continuous delight. Miss Kandt is new to Brooklyn. In recent seasons she has been singing lyric soprano roles at Munich and Frankfort-on-Main. About a fortnight ago she made her American debut. Her appearances have not been numerous enough for a true appraisal of her operatic worth. She appears to have an unworn and pleasing voice and considerable histrionic ability which is exhibited without overindulgence.

Gennaro Papi led the orchestra forces with authority and plumbed the depths of his score with more than wonted zeal. The audience crowded the opera house and extended into the standing room, in spite of the snowfall which began early in the afternoon. Thanks to the principal singers and Mr. Papi the interest of all were kept at a high pitch and the recalls were numerous.



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